Image recording and reproducing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image recording and reproducing apparatus can record and reproduce both of a digital signal and an analog signal. Operations of a broadcast receiving apparatus and a recording and reproducing apparatus are integrated and superimposition of information on an analog image is realized during recording and reproduction of a digital signal. The broadcast receiving apparatus and the recording and reproducing apparatus communicate with each other to be able to set and obtain states of the opposite apparatus, so that one of the apparatus notifies information of the other apparatus to a user and causes the user to set the information in a picture having the same form as a picture used to notify a state of one apparatus to the user and to cause the user to set the state. Further, before information is superimposed on an analog image signal, a signal conforming in phase to a reference signal of a digital signal is produced in a servo circuit and a reference signal of an analog image signal is supplied to an analog OSD circuit during superimposition of information. At the same time, a reference signal used in the servo circuit is changed over to the reference signal produced in the servo circuit. Thus, the user&#39;s operation is simplified.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording andreproducing apparatus capable of recording and reproducing both ofdigital signals and analog signals and more particularly to a referencesignal necessary to display a state of the image recording andreproducing apparatus in a picture and an operation method of the imagerecording and reproducing apparatus.

[0002] As a domestic apparatus for recording and reproducing image andaudio signals, an analog type video tape recorder (hereinafterabbreviated to as VTR) using a magnetic tape is now put to practicaluse.

[0003] On the other hand, a digital television broadcasting begins to beput to practical use as a television broadcasting for the nextgeneration. For example, there is known a system in which the MPEG(Moving Picture Experts Group) system is used to code analog image andaudio signals by the high-efficient digital compression code and thecoded signals are broadcasted by means of a satellite and coaxialcables. Further, an intelligent receiver and decoder (hereinafterabbreviated to as IRD) which receives digital satellite broadcast andproduces analog image and audio signals also begins to be put topractical use.

[0004] The above digital broadcasting systems are described in detailin, for example, the Journal of the Institute of Television Engineers ofJapan, Vol. 47, No. 4 (1993), pp. 486-503, “5. Broadcasting ServiceImage”.

[0005] Furthermore, a VTR which can record and reproduce thedigital-compression coded image and audio signals in the digitaltelevision broadcasting or the like as the signals are digital andpossesses the interchangeability with a current analog VTR is beingdeveloped.

[0006] Such a VTR which can record and reproduce both of the digitalsignals and the analog image and audio signals is considered to beconfigured as shown in, for example, Nikkei Electronics, No. 634, pp.16-17.

[0007] It is not considered that a conventional VTR records such digitalbroadcast. It is premised that the conventional VTR records image andaudio signals supplied by a built-in tuner for receiving analogbroadcast. When digital broadcast is recorded, image and audio signalsproduced by the IRD are inputted from an external input terminals of theVTR to be recorded.

[0008] However, the VTR and the IRD are quite independent of each other.For example, in order to preengage to record a program of digitalbroadcast, it is necessary to set the preengagement in both of the IRDand the VTR. The operation methods of both the apparatuses must bememorized exactly.

[0009] Further, many VTRs being currently put on the market includes anon-screen display circuit (hereinafter referred to as OSD circuit) forsuperimposing information on an analog image signal and an operationstate or the like of the VTR can be reported to a user through a pictureof a monitoring television (hereinafter abbreviated to as TV). At thistime, in order to superimpose information on the analog image, it isnecessary to supply a complex synchronization signal which is areference of the analog image signal to the OSD circuit.

[0010] On the other hand, a reference signal inputted to a servo circuitis a complex synchronization signal which is a synchronization signalfor an analog image in the case of recording and reproducing of analogsignals while the reference signal is a digital synchronization signaloutputted by a digital signal processing circuit in the case ofrecording and reproducing of digital signals. The signal inputted to theservo circuit is different depending on the recording and reproducingtimes of analog signals and digital signals.

[0011] In addition, in the conventional VTR, the servo circuit and theOSD circuit are configured to be supplied with the same reference signaland it is impossible to superimpose information on the image signal uponrecording and reproducing of digital signals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide meansfor unifying operation methods of the VTR and the IRD in order to solvethe above problem.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to make it possibleto superimpose an analog image signal even during recording andreproduction operation of digital signals.

[0014] In order to achieve the above objects, the VTR and the IRDcommunicate with each other so that the VTR and the IRD can set andobtain the operation states and the set contents of the other apparatusand the IRD notifies information of the VTR to the user by using thepicture of the same form as the picture in which the state of the IRD isnotified to the user and causes the user to set the state of the VTR byusing the picture of the same form as the picture in which the IRDcauses the user to set the state of the IRD. Further, similarly, the VTRnotifies information of the IRD to the user by using the picture of thesame form as the picture in which the state of the VTR is notified tothe user and causes the user to set the state of the IRD by using thepicture of the same form as the picture in which the VTR causes the userto set the state of the VTR. In this manner, operations of the VTR andthe IRD are integrated and the user's operation is simplified.

[0015] Further, a signal having the phase coincident with a referencesignal for a digital signal is produced in a servo circuit beforeinformation is superimposed on an analog image and a reference signalfor an analog image signal is supplied to the OSD circuit whileinformation is superimposed. At the same time, a reference signal usedin the servo circuit is changed to the internally produced referencesignal, so that information can be superimposed on the analog imagesignal while the rotation phases of the drum and the capstan are locked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention and prior artswill now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a firstembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 shows an external appearance of a remote controller used inthe present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a decoder used in thepresent invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 shows an example of a setting picture displayed by an IRDin the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 shows an example of a program guide picture displayed bythe IRD in the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 6 shows an example of a setting picture displayed by aconventional IRD;

[0023]FIG. 7 shows an example of a setting picture displayed by aconventional VTR;

[0024]FIG. 8 shows an example of a program guide picture displayed bythe conventional IRD;

[0025]FIG. 9 shows an example of a preengagement setting picturedisplayed by the conventional VTR;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a secondembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a thirdembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0028]FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a fourthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a decoder used in thefourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 12;

[0030]FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a fifthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0031]FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a sixthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0032]FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a seventhembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0033]FIG. 17 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a servocircuit used in the present invention and shown in FIG. 16;

[0034]FIG. 18 is a diagram explaining operation of a reference signalgenerating circuit used in the present invention and shown in FIG. 17;

[0035]FIG. 19 is a diagram explaining operation of a square waveproducing circuit used in the present invention and shown in FIG. 17;

[0036]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a phase reference signal produced bya phase reference signal producing circuit in accordance with modes ofthe VTR;

[0037]FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an eighthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention;

[0038]FIG. 22 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a ninthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention; and

[0039]FIG. 23 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a tenthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040]FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram schematically illustrating a firstembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention. The apparatus magnetically records and reproducesanalog image and voice on a half-inch tape of oxide by way of example.

[0041] In FIG. 1, numeral 100 denotes a video tape recorder (hereinafterabbreviated to as VTR), 200 an intelligent receiver and decoder(hereinafter abbreviated to as IRD), and 250 a monitoring television(hereinafter abbreviated to as TV). Further, arrowheaded single linerepresents a flow of image and audio signals and broken line representsa flow of control.

[0042] First, constituent elements of the VTR 100 are described.

[0043] Numeral 10 denotes external input terminals to which image andaudio signals for digital broadcast supplied from the IRD 200 arepremised to be inputted, 11 an input terminal for inputting an analogbroadcast signal, 12 an analog broadcast receiving tuner for receivingthe analog broadcast signal to be demodulated, 13 input change-overswitches for changing over input sources, 13V an image input change-overswitch for changing over an image signal, 13A an audio input change-overswitch for changing over an audio signal, 14 a signal processing circuitfor image and voice, 14V an image signal processing circuit forprocessing an image signal, 14A an audio signal processing circuit forprocessing an audio signal and which operates so that a recorded signalis supplied to a magnetic head to be recorded upon recording and asignal reproduced by the magnetic head is reproduced to be outputtedupon reproduction, and 15 an analog on-screen display circuit(hereinafter referred to as analog OSD circuit) for superimposinginformation on the background of an inputted image signal or aninternally produced image signal. Display of information on thebackground of the inputted image signal is named superimposition displayand display of information on the background of the internally producedblue or green image signal is named blue-back display. These terms areused hereinafter. In the embodiment, the analog OSD circuit 15 is usedto display operation states of the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 in thesuperimposition display manner. Numeral 16 denotes output terminals foroutputting image and audio signals from the VTR 100, 20 a VTR systemcontrol circuit for controlling the whole operation of the VTR 100 bycontrolling all of the constituent elements of the VTR 100, 260 a remotecontroller including buttons for operating the VTR 100 and the IRD 200,261 a receiving portion for receiving a user's operation request fromthe remote controller to transmit the request to the VTR system controlcircuit 20.

[0044]FIG. 2 shows an example of the remote controller 260 used in thefirst embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, numeral 300denotes a power button for turning on and off a power supply of the VTR100, 301 numerical buttons for inputting numbers, 302 and 303 channelup/down buttons for increasing and decreasing the channel of the VTR100, 304 and 305 volume up/down buttons for increasing and decreasingthe volume of the TV 250, 306 a program guide button for displaying aprogram guide picture, 307 a setting picture button for displaying asetting picture, 308 a preengagement confirming button for displaying apreengagement confirming picture, 309 a state display button fordisplaying current operation states of the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 inthe superimposition display manner, 310 cursor buttons for moving acursor on the setting picture and the program guide picture verticallyand horizontally, 311 a decision button for deciding an item indicatedby the cursor, 312 a rewind button for rewinding a tape, 313 a playbackbutton for playing back the tape, 314 a rapid winding button for windingthe tape rapidly, 315 a record button for starting record, and 316 astop button for stopping movement of the tape.

[0045] Referring again to FIG. 1, the VTR 100 includes a magnetic tapeconstituting a recording medium in which signals are recorded, amagnetic head for recording signals on the magnetic tape, a rotary drumto which the magnetic head is mounted, and a mechanism such as a capstanfor moving the magnetic tape, while these elements are not shown in FIG.1.

[0046] Next, constituent elements of the IRD 200 and the TV 250 aredescribed.

[0047] Numeral 201 denotes an input terminal for inputting a digitalbroadcast signal, 202 a digital broadcast receiving tuner fordemodulating the inputted digital broadcast signal, and 203 a decoderfor converting the digital signal received by the digital broadcastreceiving tuner 202 into analog image and audio signals to be outputted.Further, the decoder 203 has the function of displaying the outputtedimage signal in the superimposition display or the blue-back displaymanner to display information. In the embodiment, the function ofdisplaying information of the decoder 203 is used to display the settingpicture and the preengagement confirming picture in the blue-backdisplay manner. Numeral 204 denotes output terminals for outputting theconverted analog image and audio signals. The image and audio signalsoutputted from the output terminal 204 are supplied to the inputterminals 10 of the VTR 100. Numeral 220 denotes an IRD system controlcircuit for controlling the whole operation of the IRD 200 bycontrolling all of the constituent elements described above of the IRD200. Further, the IRD system control circuit 220 is supplied with thedigital information signal received by the digital broadcast receivingtuner 202 and extracts information including a program name, abroadcasting time, contents and the like of a broadcast program namedprogram arrangement information from the digital information signal, sothat a program guide picture having a list of contents of programs to bebroadcasted in a few days can be prepared to be outputted as a pictureof an image signal from the decoder 203. Numeral 262 denotes a receivingportion of the remote controller, which sends a user's operation requestfrom the remote controller to the IRD system control circuit 220.

[0048]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configurationof the decoder 203, which includes an expander circuit 2031 forexpanding a compressed digital signal, a digital on-screen displaycircuit (hereinafter referred to as digital OSD) 2032 for digitallysuperimposing information on an image portion of the digital signal, anda D/A encoder 2033 for converting the digital signal into analog imageand audio signals. The superimposition display and the blue-back displayare actually performed by the digital OSD circuit 2032.

[0049] Referring again to FIG. 1, numeral 251 denotes input terminalsfor inputting image and audio signals for the TV 250 supplied from theoutput terminals 16 of the VTR 100, and 252 denotes a monitoring picturefor displaying an inputted image signal.

[0050] The VTR 100 and the IRD 200 are connected through a communicationline 270. Numerals 271 and 272 represent connection terminals of thecommunication line 270.

[0051] When communication contents used in the first embodiment of thepresent invention are divided into a subject, a verb, a subjectiveobject and an objective complement, the subject represents an apparatusfor a transmission source, the object represents specific operationstates or set contents of a receiving destination, the verb representssetting or acquirement of a value for data indicated by the object, andthe objective complement represents contents set when the verb is set.

[0052] For example, when the IRD 200 sets the VTR 100 to a recordingstate, it is set that the subject=IRD, the verb=set, the subjectiveobject=a moving state of the VTR and the objective complement=record.Such a function of setting a state of the opposite apparatus allows theVTR 100 to turn on and off the power supply of the IRD 200 and changethe channel and further allows the IRD 200 to change over a moving stateof the VTR 100 to the record, stop, playback state or the like.Accordingly, the power supplies of the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 can beinterlocked with each other to be turned on.

[0053] Further, when the VTR 100 makes inquiries at the IRD 200 aboutthe number of a channel being received, it is set that the subject=VTR,the verb=obtain and the subjective object=the channel number of thetuner of the IRD. Such a function of obtaining the state of the oppositeapparatus allows the VTR 100 to monitor the operation state of the IRD200 to detect a change thereof. Accordingly, when the operation state ischanged, a latest state of the IRD 200 can be displayed as characters ora picture by the analog OSD circuit 15. In the embodiment, a picturesuch as a state display picture for notifying information including theoperation state of the IRD 200 to a user in the superimposition displaymanner is displayed by the analog OSD circuit 15 controlled by the VTRsystem control circuit 20.

[0054] Further, the protocol includes means for understanding kinds ofthe subjective objects and names thereof included in the oppositeapparatus and kinds of the objective complements and names thereofcapable of being set in the subjective objects. This function allows theIRD 200 to obtain kinds of items to be set in the VTR 100 and names ofthe items and kinds of subitems to be selected for each of the items andnames of the subitems and allows the digital OSD circuit 2032 to displaya setting picture for the VTR 100. In the first embodiment of thepresent invention, a picture such as the setting picture and thepreengagement picture for notifying information including information ofthe VTR 100 to the user in the blue-back display manner is displayed bythe digital OSD circuit 2032 controlled by the IRD system controlcircuit 220.

[0055] The reason why allotment of display of information is made is asfollows:

[0056] Since the digital OSD circuit 2032 has the function of displayinga picture for guiding digital broadcast programs, the digital OSDcircuit 2032 has a merit that the resolution of a picture is higher, thenumber of colors is larger and kanjis higher than the first level can bedisplayed as compared with the analog OSD circuit 15, while characterscannot be displayed on the background of an image outputted by theanalog broadcast receiving tuner 12 or an image reproduced by themagnetic head. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the allotment is made sothat the superimposition display is made by the analog OSD circuit 15and the blue-back display is made by the digital OSD circuit 2032.

[0057] Actual communication between the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 is madebetween the VTR system control circuit 20 and the IRD system controlcircuit 220. Further, when the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 are communicatingwith each other exactly, all of user's operation requests transmitted bythe remote controller 260 are received by the VTR system control circuit20 and the IRD system control circuit 220 interrupts the receivingoperation thereof.

[0058] Operation of the recording and reproducing apparatus when variousbuttons of the remote controller 260 are depressed is now described asfollows:

[0059] In FIG. 2, when the power button 300 of the remote controller 260is depressed, the VTR system control circuit 20 turns on the powersupply of the VTR 100 and transmits a request for turning on the powersupply to the IRD 200. The IRD system controller 220 receives therequest and turns on the power supply of the IRD 200. Thus, the powersupplies of the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 are turned on in interlockedrelationship with each other.

[0060] At this time, in FIG. 1, when contacts of the input change-overswitches 13 are in the connected state to respective A-sides thereof bymeans of the user's operation, an analog broadcast signal inputted fromthe input terminal 11 to the VTR 100 is converted into image and audiosignals by the analog broadcast receiving tuner 12. The image and audiosignals are outputted through the input change-over switches 13, thesignal processing circuits 14 and the analog OSD circuit 15 (only theimage signal) from the output terminals 16, so that the program receivedby the analog broadcast receiving tuner can be viewed and heard by theTV 250. Further, when the contacts of the input change-over switches 13are in the connected state to respective D-sides thereof, a digitalbroadcast signal inputted from the input terminal 201 to the IRD 200 isconverted into a digital information signal by the digital broadcastreceiving tuner 202 and further converted into analog image and audiosignals by the decoder 203 to be outputted from the output terminals204. Furthermore, these signals are inputted from the input terminals 10to the VTR 100 and outputted through the input change-over switches 13,the signal processing circuits 14 and the analog OSD circuit 15 (onlythe image signal) from the output terminals 16, so that the digitalbroadcast program can be viewed and heard by the TV 250.

[0061] Next, in FIG. 2, when the state display button 309 of the remotecontroller 260 is depressed, the VTR system control circuit 20 performsthe following processing in accordance with the connection state of theinput change-over switches 13.

[0062] In FIG. 1, when the contacts of the input change-over switches 13are in the connected state to the A-sides thereof by the user'soperation, the VTR system control circuit 20 sends informationconcerning an operation mode of the VTR 100 such as “stop, record andplayback” and information of a reception channel of the analog broadcastreceiving tuner 12 to the analog OSD circuit 15 and instructs the analogOSD circuit 15 to superimpose the information on the image signal.

[0063] Next, when the contacts of the input change-over switches 13 arein the connected state to the D-sides thereof by the user's operation,the VTR system control circuit 20 obtains from the IRD 200 the channelnumber received by the digital broadcast receiving tuner 202 anddisplays information of the operation mode of the VTR and the obtainedreception channel of the digital broadcast by means of the analog OSDcircuit 15.

[0064] Further, when the channel up button 302 of the remote controller260 is depressed, the VTR system control circuit 20 performs thefollowing processing in accordance with the connection state of theinput change-over switches 13. Further, numeral 303 denotes a channeldown button for decreasing the channel.

[0065] In FIG. 1, when the contacts of the input change-over switches 13are in the connected state to the A-sides thereof by the user'soperation, the VTR system control circuit 20 searches for a channelnumber of the analog broadcast to be selected next and controls to tunethe analog broadcast receiving tuner 12 to the searched channel.Further, the VTR system control circuit 20 issues a display request ofthe channel number to the analog OSD circuit 15 to display an image ofthe selected analog broadcast and the channel number thereof on themonitoring picture 252. Operation of the VTR 100 at this time is thesame as operation of the conventional VTR.

[0066] Next, in FIG. 1, when the contacts of the input change-overswitches 13 are in the connected state to the D-sides thereof by theuser's operation, the VTR system control circuit 20 sends a channel uprequest to the IRD 200. When the IRD system control circuit 220 receivesthe request, the IRD system control circuit searches for a channelnumber of digital broadcast to be selected next and controls to tune thedigital broadcast receiving tuner 202 to the searched channel. When theVTR system control circuit 20 detects change of the reception channel ofthe IRD 200, the VTR system control circuit 20 issues a display requestof the channel number to the analog OSD circuit 15 to display a image ofthe selected digital broadcast and the channel number thereof on themonitoring picture 252.

[0067] The above operation describes an example of the channel selectionmethod that a broadcast signal is selected by means of the inputchange-over switches 13 and a desired channel is selected by means ofthe channel up/down button. It is considered that, for example, channelsare successively circulated in a loop including the analog and digitalbroadcast channels in response to the channel up button or a desiredchannel of a desired broadcast is directly selected by the numericalbutton and contents of communication and control between the VTR 100 andthe IRD 200 at this time can be conjectured easily and accordingly arenot described particularly.

[0068] In FIG. 2, when the setting picture button 307 of the remotecontroller 260 is depressed, the VTR system control circuit 20 sends asetting picture display request to the IRD 200 since the setting pictureis displayed by the decoder 203 of the IRD 200. When the IRD systemcontrol circuit 220 receives the request, the IRD system control circuitprepares data for the setting data and sends the display request to thedecoder 203. Further, when the VTR system control circuit 20 detectsthat the IRD 200 has displayed the setting picture, the VTR systemcontrol circuit connects the contact of the image input change-overswitch 13V to the D-side thereof. Consequently, the setting pictureproduced by the IRD 200 is inputted from the input terminal 10V to theVTR 100 and supplied through the image input change-over switch 13V, theimage signal processing circuit 14V, the analog OSD circuit 15 and theoutput terminal 16V to the input terminal of the TV 250 to be displayedon the monitoring picture 252.

[0069]FIG. 4 shows an example of the setting picture displayed by theIRD 200 shown in FIG. 1. A picture 400 shows an example of a selectionpicture in which various setting pictures are selected. A hatchedportion 401 shows a cursor position being selected currently.

[0070] When the VTR system control circuit 20 receives a request of abutton used in the setting picture while the IRD 200 displays thesetting picture, the VTR system control circuit 20 sends contents of therequest to the IRD 200 unconditionally, so that the IRD system controlcircuit 220 changes over the setting picture in accordance with thereceived contents or changes contents of set items. Buttons used in thesetting picture include the cursor button 310 for selecting the setitems in the setting picture, the decision button 311 for deciding theselected item, and the numerical buttons 301 for inputting numbers.

[0071] In the setting picture 400, when the decision button 311 isdepressed while the cursor is positioned on “Video Mode Setting”, theIRD system control circuit 220 obtains from the VTR 100 kinds of itemsto be set and names of the items, subitems thereof to be selected andnames of the subitems and current set contents to prepare a settingpicture for VTR and causes the decoder 203 to display a video modesetting picture.

[0072] A picture 410 shows an example of the video mode setting picturedisplayed by the IRD 200. In the video mode setting picture, numeral 411represents a current cursor position and numeral 412, 413 and 414represent currently selected items. A user moves the cursor onto asubitem of the item in which set contents are to be changed anddepresses the decision button 311 to change the set contents. In thepicture 410, when the decision button 311 is depressed, a “Skip ofPlayed-back CM” mode is changed from “on” to “off”.

[0073] When contents of the set item are changed, the IRD system controlcircuit 220 sends contents of the changed item to the VTR 100. The VTRsystem control circuit 200 receives the contents and rewrites internalstate data.

[0074] When the decision button 311 is depressed while the cursor ispositioned on “End of Setting” in the setting picture, the IRD systemcontrol circuit 220 detects it and finishes displaying the settingpicture. When the VTR system control circuit 20 detects that display ofthe setting picture has been finished, the VTR system control circuit 20returns the processing of the operation request of the remote controller260 to the usual operation and returns the image input change-overswitch 13V to the state before displaying a menu picture.

[0075] When the IRD 200 is displaying the setting picture, the VTRsystem control circuit 20 neglects a state display request from theremote controller 260. Further, when the setting picture is displayedduring displaying the state, the display of the state is finished. Thisreason is that the setting picture displayed by the IRD 200 in theblue-back display manner and the state display picture displayed by theVTR 100 in the superimposition display manner do not overlap each other.

[0076] Further, the VTR system control circuit 20 neglects the settingpicture display request from the remote controller 260 during recording.This reason is that it is prevented that an image signal to be recordedbecomes a setting picture.

[0077] When the program guide button 306 of the remote controller 260 isdepressed, the VTR system control circuit 20 requests a program guidedisplay from the IRD 200. When the IRD system control circuit 220receives the request, the IRD system control circuit 220 extractsinformation such as program names, broadcasting times and contents ofbroadcast programs from program-arranged information included in thedigital information signal received by the digital broadcast receivingtuner 202 and prepares a program guide picture having a list of contentsof programs to be broadcasted in a few days. Further, the IRD systemcontrol circuit 220 obtains the channel number registered in the VTR 100and converts an analog broadcast channel into a form included in theprogram guide picture.

[0078]FIG. 5 shows an example of a program guide picture displayed inthe first embodiment of the present invention. The channel numbers equalto or larger than 100 represent the digital broadcast programs, in whichtitles and broadcasting times obtained from the program arrangementinformation are displayed. The channel numbers smaller than 100represent the analog broadcast programs. Each channel is divided intoblocks each having 15 minutes.

[0079] When a digital broadcast program is preengaged, the cursor ismoved on a desired program and the program is determined by the decisionbutton 311. When the desired program is determined, the IRD systemcontrol circuit 220 extracts a channel number, a start time and an endtime of the determined program as preengagement information and sendsthe information to the VTR 200. The VTR system control circuit 20receives the information and preserves it.

[0080] When an analog broadcast program is preengaged, some blocks eachhaving 15 minutes for a desired channel are selected so that a starttime and an end time are decided in units of 15 minutes. A blockcorresponding to the start time of the desired channel is selected to bedecided and a block corresponding to the end time of the same channel isthen selected to be decided so that all of blocks included between thestart block and the end block are selected. The picture 500 indicatesthat an analog broadcast channel 8 is preengaged at 17:15 to 18:15 onThursday, 27th. The IRD system control circuit 220 extracts the channelnumber, the start time and the end time from the plurality of selectedblocks as preengagement information. The VTR system control circuit 20receives the information and preserves it.

[0081] When the preengagement confirming button 308 of the remotecontroller 260 is depressed, the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 perform thesame communication and operation as at the time of displaying thesetting picture described above. However, in order to prepare thepreengagement confirming picture, the following operation is addedthereto. That is, the IRD system control circuit 220 sends the VTR 100to a request for obtaining contents of preengagement preserved in theVTR 100 and receives a replay from the VTR 100 to prepare thepreengagement confirming picture.

[0082] When preengagement contents are deleted in the preengagementconfirming picture, the IRD system control circuit 220 sends a deletionrequest for the specific deleted preengagement to the VTR 100 and theVTR system control circuit 20 receives the request and deletes thepertinent preengagement information from the preserved preengagementcontents.

[0083] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the contents ofthe preengagement is preserved in the VTR 100, while preengagementcontents for analog broadcast may be preserved in the VTR 100 andpreengagement contents for digital broadcast may be preserved in the IRD200 by way of example. Further, all of preengagement contents may bepreserved in the IRD 200.

[0084] In this case, operations in transmission and reception ofpreengagement information upon completion of setting preengagement,transmission and reception of a request for obtaining preengagementinformation upon displaying a preengagement confirming picture andtransmission and reception of a deletion request upon deletion ofpreengagement are different from the operations described above, whilethe operations can be considered easily and accordingly descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0085] When the playback button 313 of the remote controller 260 isdepressed, the VTR system control circuit 20 sets the signal processingcircuit 14 and the mechanism such as the rotary drum and the capstan toa playback mode to set operation of the VTR 100 to the playback state.Simultaneously, a display request of character “Playback” is instructedto the analog OSD circuit 15.

[0086] Signals reproduced by the magnetic head are reproduced by theimage and audio signal processing circuit 14 and are outputted throughthe analog OSD circuit 15 (only image signal) from the output terminals16, so that image and voice being reproduced can be viewed and heard bythe TV 250.

[0087] Further, operation in the case where the menu picture and thepreengagement picture are displayed during playback is the same as theoperation upon stop described above.

[0088] When the record button 315 of the remote controller 260 isdepressed, the VTR system control circuit 20 sets the signal processingcircuit 14 and the mechanism such as the rotary drum and the capstan toa record mode to set operation of the VTR 100 to a record state.Simultaneously, a display request of character “Record” and the numberof channel being recorded is issued to the analog OSD circuit 15.

[0089] Signals selected by the input change-over switch 13 are subjectedto record processing in the image and audio signal processing circuit tobe recorded on the magnetic tape by means of the magnetic head and areoutputted through the analog OSD circuit 15 from the output terminals16, so that image and voice being recorded can be viewed and heard bythe TV 250.

[0090] Although described has been made above, the VTR system controlcircuit 20 does not receive the display requests of the setting pictureand the preengagement confirming picture from the remote controller 260during record. This reason is that image signals to be recorded areprevented from being displayed on the setting picture and thepreengagement confirming picture.

[0091] Finally, record by preengagement is described. In the embodimentthe VTR 100 preserves preengagement information and accordinglydescription is made to an example in which execution of preengagement isalso performed by the VTR 100.

[0092] Execution of preengagement for analog broadcast is firstdescribed.

[0093] When the start time for preengagement is reached, the VTR systemcontrol circuit 20 turns on the power supply of the VTR 100 and connectsthe contacts of the input change-over switches 13 to the A-sides.Further, the VTR system control circuit 20 tunes the analog broadcastreceiving tuner 12 to a preengaged channel to start recording, so that apreengage analog broadcast program is recorded. Furthermore, when theend time for preengagement is reached, the recording is finished and thepower supply of the VTR 100 is turned off.

[0094] Next, execution of preengagement for digital broadcast isdescribed.

[0095] When the start time for preengagement is reached, the VTR systemcontrol circuit 220 turns on the power supplies of the VTR 100 and theIRD 200 and connects the contacts of the input change-over switches tothe D-sides. Further, the IRD 200 is tuned to a preengaged channel tostart recording, so that a preengaged digital broadcast program isrecorded. Furthermore, when the end time for preengagement is reached,the recording is stopped and the power supplies of the VTR 100 and theIRD 200 are turned off.

[0096] In the embodiment, since the VTR 100 preserves all ofpreengagement contents, the VTR 100 performs preengagement, whereas itis also considered that all of preengagement contents are preserved inthe IRD 200 and the IRD 200 performs preengagement. In this case, aseries of operations including the turning-on of the power supplies ofthe VTR 100 and the IRD 200, the change-over control of the inputchange-over switches 13, the tuning of the analog or digital broadcastreceiving tuner and the start of recording by the VTR 100 are consideredto be performed by the IRD 200. Since similar operations can be made byvarious methods and these methods can be considered easily, descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0097] Further, when the VTR 100 cannot communicate with the IRD 200,the VTR system control circuit 20 judges that the IRD 200 is notconnected to the communication line 270 and returns the operation of theVTR to the conventional operation, in which the setting picture, thepreengagement picture and the like are displayed by means of the analogOSD circuit 15. Similarly, when the IRD 200 cannot communicate with theVTR 100, the IRD system control circuit 220 judges that the VTR 100 isnot connected to the communication line 270 and returns the operation ofthe IRD to the conventional operation, in which the states of thecurrent receiving channel number and the like is displayed by means ofthe decoder 203.

[0098] Operations of the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 at this time are madeby using the respective exclusive remote controllers.

[0099]FIGS. 6 and 7 show respective setting pictures displayed by theIRD 200 and the VTR 100 in the prior art when the VTR 100 and the IRD200 cannot communicate with each other. Operation at the time when thesub-voice of digital broadcast is recorded at the speed of three timesis now described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0100] A method of selecting voice of the IRD to the sub-voice by usingan IRD exclusive remote controller is first described.

[0101] First of all, the setting picture button is depressed to displaya selection picture 600 of the setting picture. In the picture displayedby the IRD 200, the cursor is moved onto a desired item by means of thecursor buttons and the decision button is depressed, so that the settingpicture of the item relative to contents thereof is displayed. Thehatched portion 601 represents a position of the cursor.

[0102] In this example, in order to select the audio signal, the cursoris moved onto the portion “Selection of Image, Voice, Data” and thedecision button is depressed to thereby display the setting picture 610of image, voice and data. The hatched portion 611 indicates a currentposition of the cursor and the hatched portions 612, 613 and 614indicate currently set items. In the setting picture 610, since the“Main” voice is set as voice, the cursor is moved onto the portion of“Sub-voice and the decision button is depressed to thereby change thesetting to “Sub”-voice. Finally, the cursor is moved to the “End ofSetting” positioned at right lower corner of the picture and thedecision button is depressed to finish the setting of voice.

[0103] Next, a method of setting a tape speed for record of the VTR tothree times by using the VTR exclusive remote controller is described.

[0104] The setting picture button is first depressed to display aselection picture 700 of the setting picture. In the picture displayedby the VTR 100, when a number button corresponding to setting contentsdesired to be changed is depressed, a setting picture of an itempertinent to the contents is displayed. In this example, the numberbutton “2” is depressed and a video mode setting picture 710 isdisplayed. The hatched portions 711 indicate currently set contents.Since the current tape speed for record is set to “Standard”, the numberbutton “5” is depressed to set the tape speed for record to “ThreeTimes”. Further, when the number button “5” is depressed again, the tapespeed for record is returned to “Standard”. Finally, the setting picturebutton is depressed to finish the setting.

[0105] Finally, the record button is depressed to set the VTR 100 to therecord state, so that the digital broadcast program can be recorded inthe form of “Sub-voice and three-times mode”.

[0106]FIGS. 8 and 9 show the program guide picture displayed by the IRD200 and the preengagement setting picture displayed by the VTR 100 inthe prior art when the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 cannot communicate witheach other. Operation at the time that video recording of digitalbroadcast is preengaged is now described with reference to FIGS. 8 and9.

[0107] A method for preengaging a desired program by the IRD by usingthe IRD exclusive remote controller is first described.

[0108] First of all, the program guide button is depressed to display aprogram guide picture 800. A list of broadcasting times and titles of aprogram to be broadcast in a few days is displayed on the program guidepicture. When the cursor is moved onto a desired program on the programguide picture by means of the cursor buttons and the decision button isdepressed, the program is preengaged. The hatched portion 801 indicatesa current position of the cursor. In the picture 800, news broadcastedby a channel 171 at 17:00 to 18:30 on Thursday, 17th is about to bepreengaged. In this state, when the decision button is depressed, thenews is preengaged and when the predetermined time is reached, receptionof the channel 171 is started.

[0109] Next, a method of setting preengagement of the VTR by using theVTR exclusive remote controller is described.

[0110] First of all, the preengagement setting button is depressed todisplay a preengagement setting time 900. In the preengagement settingpicture, a channel, a recording date, a start time and an end time areinputted by the numerical buttons and preengagement is set. When “00” isinputted for the channel, a signal inputted from the external inputterminal of the VTR is selected. A picture 910 shows a picture when thenumerical buttons are depressed in order of “002717001830” and contentsof preengagement are that the external input signal is recorded at 17:00to 18:30 on 27th”. When all of items are inputted and the preengagementsetting button is depressed, the set preengagement is preserved and thepreengagement picture is finished.

[0111] As described above, in order to preengage to video-record adigital broadcast program, it is necessary to set preengagement in bothof the IRD and the VTR. Further, the user is required to memorize abroadcasting date and hour, a start time and an end time of a programpreengaged by the IRD and input these information in the VTR.

[0112] As described above, in the prior art, when the VTR 100 and theIRD 200 cannot communicate with each other, the user's operation is verycomplicated, while it is possible to record a digital broadcast programin a desired mode and make preengagement record.

[0113]FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a secondembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

[0114] In the second embodiment, an operation request from the remotecontroller 260 is received by the IRD 200 and the IRD 200 and the VTR100 are operated. In FIG. 10, numeral 262 denotes a receiving portion ofthe remote controller, which sends the user's operation request from theremote controller 260 to the IRD system control circuit 220.

[0115] Operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10 when the settingpicture button 307 of the remote controller 260 of FIG. 2 is depressedis now described.

[0116] When the setting picture button 307 of the remote controller 260is depressed, the IRD system control circuit 220 detects it and preparesthe setting picture. Further, the IRD system control circuit 220supplies a display request to the decoder 203. The VTR system controlcircuit 20 detects that the IRD 200 has displayed the setting pictureand connects the contact of the image input change-over switch 13V tothe D-side. Thus, the setting picture is displayed on the monitoringpicture 252.

[0117] When the VTR 100 is performing record, the VTR system controlcircuit 20 sends a request of ending the setting picture to the IRD 200so that the image signal being recorded is prevented from beingdisplayed on the setting picture and the state of the image inputchange-over switch 13V is left as it is.

[0118] In this method, however, when the digital broadcast program isrecorded, the setting picture is recorded on the magnetic tape until theIRD 200 receives the end request of the setting picture from the VTR100. Accordingly, the following operation can be considered. Before theIRD begins to display the setting picture, the image produced by the VTR100 is required to be changed to an image for digital broadcast. If itis rejected by the VTR 100, display is canceled. The IRD system controlcircuit 220 monitors the moving state of the VTR 100 to cancel a displayrequest of the setting picture while the VTR 100 performs recording.

[0119] Further, it is also considered that both of the exclusive remotecontrollers of the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 are used to make operation.Contents of communication and operation of the VTR 100 and the IRD 200at this time can be conjectured easily and accordingly descriptionthereof is omitted.

[0120]FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a thirdembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

[0121] In the embodiment, an image output change-over switch 40V isdisposed just before the analog OSD circuit 15 to select an image signalrecorded and reproduced by the VTR 100 and an image signal supplied fromthe IRD to be outputted.

[0122] In the embodiment, since the contact of the image outputchange-over switch 40V can be connected to the D-side to produce thesetting picture displayed by the IRD 200 from the VTR 100, informationcan be displayed by the IRD 200 while a program of analog broadcast isrecorded.

[0123]FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a fourthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention. In the fourth embodiment, a decoder 213 whichproduces an image signal for record for always displaying an image ofdigital broadcast in addition to an image signal for displayinginformation by means of the digital OSD circuit 2032 is provided insteadof the decoder 203 used in FIG. 1.

[0124]FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating internal constituentelements of the decoder 213 shown in FIG. 12. In the decoder 213 of FIG.13, a D/A encoder 2033A is added to the decoder 203 of FIG. 3 and thedigital signal produced by the expander circuit 2031 is directlysupplied to the added D/A encoder 2033A. Thus, the image signal suppliedwithout intervention of the digital OSD circuit 2032 is not used todisplay information such as the setting picture and accordingly theimage signal can be used for recording.

[0125] Further, in FIG. 12, terminals for inputting image signals of twokinds produced by the IRD 200 are provided in the VTR 100. The imageinput terminal 10V connected to the input change-over switch 13 issupplied with the image signal for record and a newly provided imageinput terminal 50 is supplied with the image signal for displayinginformation such as the setting picture.

[0126] In this case, by connecting the contact of the image outputchange-over switch 40V to the D-side, information such as the settingpicture displayed by the IRD 200 can be displayed even during recordingof digital broadcast in addition to during recording of analogbroadcast.

[0127]FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a fifthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

[0128] In the fifth embodiment, the VTR 100 controls the recording andreproducing apparatus to select one of analog image and audio signalsand a digital information signal to be recorded and reproduced.

[0129] When the digital information signal is recorded, the VTR systemcontrol circuit 20 connects the contacts of the input change-overswitches 13 to the D-sides and connects a contact of a digital signalinput change-over switch 230 to an R-side.

[0130] The digital information signal received by the digital broadcastreceiving tuner 202 is produced from a digital signal output terminal231 and is supplied from the digital input terminal 50 to the VTR 100,in which the digital information signal is subjected to recordprocessing in a digital signal processing circuit 51 and is recorded onthe magnetic tape by the magnetic head. At the same time, the digitalinformation signal is converted into analog image and audio signals bythe decoder 203 to be produced from the output terminals 204. The imageand audio signals for digital broadcast are inputted from the inputterminals 10 to the VTR 100, in which the signals are supplied throughthe input change-over switches 13, the signal processing circuits 14 andthe analog OSD circuit 15 (only image signal) from the output terminals16 to the TV 250. Thus, image and voice for the digitally recordedprogram can be viewed and heard by the TV 250.

[0131] At this time, since the digital information signal produced bythe IRD 200 from the digital output terminal 231 is a signal to whichthe information signal is not added by the digital OSD circuit 2032, thedigital information signal which is recorded digitally is not influencedat all even if information is displayed by the digital OSD circuit 2032.Accordingly, even when the image output switch is not provided as in thethird and fourth embodiments, information can be displayed by the IRD200 during digital record.

[0132] Further, when the digital information signal is reproduced, theVTR system control circuit 20 connects the contacts of the inputchange-over switches 13 to the D-sides and connects the contact of thedigital signal input change-over switch 230 to the P-side.

[0133] The digital information signal reproduced by the magnetic head isreproduced by the digital signal processing circuit 51 and outputtedfrom a digital output terminal 52. Further, the digital informationsignal outputted from the digital output terminal 52 is inputted to theIRD 200 from a digital input terminal 232 and is outputted through thedigital signal input change-over switch 230 and the decoder 203 from theoutput terminals 204 as the analog image and audio signals. Thesesignals are inputted to the VTR 100 again and supplied to the TV 250through the same path as in the digital recording to thereby be able toview and hear image and voice being played back digitally.

[0134] Further, operation at the time that an analog signal is recordedor reproduced is the same as that of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0135]FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a sixthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

[0136] In the sixth embodiment, the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 are notseparated and are integrally combined to form an integral recording andreproducing apparatus. In this case, input and output terminals forsignals transmitted between the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 are unnecessary.

[0137] In addition, since the IRD 200 previously understands kinds ofsetting items, names of the items, subitems selected for each item, andnames of the subitems preserved in the VTR 100, the IRD 200 can preparethe setting picture for VTR by obtaining only a current state for thesetting items.

[0138] Further, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 10, 11, 12, 14 and15, the remote controller is used to operate the VTR 100 and the IRD200, while operation buttons disposed in main bodies of the VTR 100 andthe IRD 200 can be used to operate the VTR 100 and the IRD 200.Furthermore, measures for producing the states of the VTR 100 and theIRD 200 as information employ a picture using the OSD circuit, while itis considered that the measures can use information by voice.

[0139]FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram schematically illustrating a seventhembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention. In FIG. 16, numeral 100 denotes a VTR, 200 anintelligent receiver and decoder (IRD) and 250 a TV.

[0140] First, internal constituent elements of the VTR 100 aredescribed.

[0141] Numeral 1 denotes a one-chip microcomputer dedicated to the VTRand which includes a VTR system control circuit 20 composed of a centralarithmetic unit for performing arithmetic processing and a memory inwhich an operation algorithm and internal information are stored and inaddition to the VTR system control circuit 20, circuits necessary forcontrol of the VTR such as a servo circuit 1100 for controlling rotationof a drum and a capstan, and an analog OSD circuit 15 for superimposinginformation onto an analog image signal. Further, numeral 2V denotes ananalog image signal processing circuit for processing an analog imagesignal, 2A an analog audio signal processing circuit for processing ananalog audio signal, 2D a digital signal processing circuit forprocessing a digital signal, 12 an analog broadcast receiving tuner forreceiving analog broadcast, 13 input change-over switches for changingover input sources of analog image and audio signals, 5 a referencesignal change-over switch for changing over a signal inputted to theone-chip microcomputer 1, 110 input terminals for inputting analog imageand audio signals supplied from the IRD 200, 111 digital signalinput/output terminals for inputting and outputting a digital signal tothe IRD 200, and 16 output terminals for outputting analog image andaudio signals to the TV 250. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 16,there is provided the mechanism such as the magnetic tape constituting amedium for recording signals, the magnetic head for writing signals tothe magnetic tape, the rotary drum to which the magnetic head is mountedand the capstan for moving the magnetic tape.

[0142] A servo reference signal SREF produced by the digital signalprocessing circuit 2D is a signal indicative to a timing for digitaldata recorded on one track and is used by the servo circuit 1100 as areference phase for a rotation phase of the drum and the capstan upondigital recording and reproduction. A complex synchronization signalC_(sync) extracted from an analog image signal by the analog signalprocessing circuit 2V is a signal indicative of a timing for analogimage signal recorded in one track similarly and is used by the servocircuit 1100 as a reference phase for a rotation phase of the drum andthe capstan upon analog recording and by the analog OSD circuit 15 as atiming signal for superimposition of information onto an analog image.One of the serve reference signal SREF and the complex synchronizationsignal C_(sync) is inputted to the one-chip microcomputer 1 bycontrolling the reference signal change-over switch 5 in accordance withan operation mode of the VTR by means of the VTR system control circuit20.

[0143] Next, internal constituent elements of the IRD 200 and the TV 250are described.

[0144] Numeral 202 denotes a digital broadcast receiving tuner forreceiving digital broadcast, 203 a decoder for converting a digitalsignal into analog image and audio signals, 230 a change-over switch forselecting a signal supplied to the decoder, 204 output terminals foroutputting the analog image and audio signals, 231 digital signalinput/output terminals for inputting and outputting the digital signalto the VTR 100, and 251 input terminals for inputting the analog imageand audio signals.

[0145] Further, the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 are connected to each otherthrough a communication line so that the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 cancontrol states of the opposite apparatus. For example, the VTR systemcontrol circuit 20 of the VTR 100 is adapted to be able to change over acontact of the change-over switch 230 of the IRD 200.

[0146] Operation of the image recording and reproducing apparatus uponanalog and digital recording and reproduction is now described in brief.

[0147] First, operation in case where a digital broadcast signal isrecorded is described.

[0148] When the digital broadcast signal is recorded, the VTR systemcontrol circuit 20 sets the digital signal processing circuit 2D, theanalog image signal processing circuit 2V and the analog audio signalprocessing circuit 2A to the recording mode and sets the servo circuit110 to the digital recording mode. Further, the VTR system controlcircuit 20 connects a contact of the reference signal change-over switch5 to the D-side, contacts of the input change-over switches 13 to theD-side, and the contact of the change-over switch 230 to the R-side.

[0149] The digital broadcast signal inputted to the digital broadcastsignal input terminal 201 is demodulated to the digital signal by thedigital broadcast receiving tuner 202 is supplied to a digital signaloutput terminal 2310 and the R-side contact of the change-over switch230. The digital signal outputted from the digital signal outputterminal 2310 is supplied through a digital signal input terminal 111Ito the digital signal processing circuit 2D, in which the digital signalis subjected to transmission path coding processing such as addition ofan error correction code and modulation and is supplied to the magnetichead. Further, the digital signal processing circuit 2D supplies a servoreference signal SREF which is a timing signal for recording the digitalsignal to the servo circuit 1100. The servo circuit 1100 controlsrotation phases of the rotary drum and the capstan to be coincident witha phase of the reference signal SREF, so that the digital signal isrecorded on the magnetic tape while describing a predetermined recordingtrack on the magnetic tape.

[0150] Further, the output of the digital broadcast receiving tuner 202is inputted through the change-over switch 230 to the decoder 203 to beconverted into analog image and audio signals. The analog image signalis supplied through the output terminal 204V, the input terminal 110V,the input change-over switch 13V, the analog image signal processingcircuit 2V, the analog OSD circuit 15 and the output terminal 16V to theinput terminal 251V of the TV 250 and the analog audio signal issupplied through the output terminal 204A, the input terminal 110A, theinput change-over switch 13A, the analog image signal processing circuit2A and the output terminal 116A to the input terminal 251A of the TV 250to thereby be able to view and hear the digital broadcast program beingrecorded.

[0151] Operation in case where an analog broadcast signal is recorded isnow described.

[0152] When the analog broadcast signal is recorded, the VTR systemcontrol circuit 20 sets the analog image signal processing circuit 2Vand the analog audio signal processing circuit 2A to the recording modeand sets the servo circuit 110 to the analog recording mode. Further,the VTR system control circuit 20 connects the contact of the inputchange-over switch 13 to the A-side and the contact of the referencesignal change-over switch 5 to the A-side.

[0153] The analog image and audio signals supplied from the analogbroadcast receiving tuner 12 are subjected to record signal processingin the analog image signal processing circuit 2V and the analog audiosignal processing circuit 2A and are supplied to the magnetic head.Further, the analog image signal processing circuit 2V supplies thecomplex synchronization signal C_(sync) which is a timing signal forrecording the analog image signal to the servo circuit 1100, whichcontrols to the rotation phases of the rotary drum and the capstan to becoincident with the phase of the complex synchronization signalC_(sync), so that the analog image and audio signals are recorded on themagnetic tape while describing a predetermined recording track on themagnetic tape.

[0154] Further, the analog image signal is supplied through the analogOSD circuit 15 and the output terminal 16V to the input terminal 251V ofthe TV 250 and the analog audio signal is supplied through the outputterminal 16A to the input terminal 251A of the TV 250, so that theanalog broadcast program being recorded can be viewed and heard.

[0155] Furthermore, operation in case where the digital broadcast signalis recorded in the analog manner is the same as operation in case wherethe analog broadcast signal is recorded except that the contacts of theinput change-over switches are connected to the D-sides.

[0156] Next, operation of reproducing a digital signal is described.

[0157] When the digital signal is reproduced, the VTR system controlcircuit 20 sets the digital signal processing circuit 2D to thereproduction mode, the analog image signal processing circuit 2V and theanalog audio signal processing circuit 2A to the recording mode, and theservo circuit 110 to the digital reproduction mode and connects thecontact of the reference signal change-over switch 5 to the D-side, thecontact of the input change-over switch 13V to the D-side, and thecontact of the change-over switch 230 of the IRD 200 to the P-side.

[0158] The digital signal processing circuit 2D supplies the servereference signal SREF to the servo circuit 1100, which controls therotation phases of the rotary drum and the capstan to be coincident withthe servo reference signal SREF, so that the magnetic head reproducesthe recorded digital signal. This signal is subjected to the oppositeprocessing to that of the recording time in the digital signalprocessing circuit 2D and is supplied through the digital signal outputterminal 111o, the digital signal input terminal 231I and thechange-over switch 230 to the decoder 203 to be converted into theanalog image and audio signals. The analog image signal is suppliedthrough the output terminal 204V, the input terminal 110V, the inputchange-over switch 13V, the analog image signal processing circuit 2D,the analog OSD circuit 15 and the output terminal 16V to the inputterminal 251V of the TV 250, and the analog audio signal is suppliedthrough the output terminal 204A, the input terminal 110A, the inputchange-over switch 13A, the analog image signal processing circuit 2Aand the output terminal 16A to the input terminal 251A of the TV 250, sothat decoded image and voice of the digital signal being reproduced canbe viewed and heard.

[0159] Finally, operation of reproducing an analog signal is described.

[0160] When the analog signal is reproduced, the VTR system controlcircuit 20 sets the analog image signal processing circuit 2V and theanalog audio signal processing circuit 2A to the reproduction mode andthe servo circuit 110 to the analog reproduction mode.

[0161] The servo circuit 1100 controls the rotation phases of the rotarydrum and the capstan to be coincident with the internally produced phasereference signal and reproduces the analog image and audio signalsrecorded by the magnetic head. The analog image and audio signals aresubjected to the opposite processing to that of the recording time inthe analog image signal processing circuit 2V and the analog audiosignal processing circuit 2A, respectively. The analog image signal issupplied through the analog OSD display circuit 15 and the outputterminal 16V to the input terminal 251V of the TV 250 and the analogaudio signal is supplied through the output terminal 16A to the terminal251A of the TV 250, so that the analog image and audio signals beingreproduced can be viewed and heard.

[0162] The recording and reproduction operations has been describedroughly. Detailed operation of the reference signal change-over switch5, the servo circuit 1100 and the analog OSD circuit 15 are nowdescribed with reference to FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20.

[0163]FIG. 17 schematically illustrates the one-chip microcomputer 1, akind-of-tape detection circuit 4 and the reference signal change-overswitch 5 extracted from FIG. 16 and further illustrates an internalconfiguration of the servo circuit 1100. Numeral 2000 denotes a phasereference signal producing circuit for producing a phase referencesignal constituting a reference of the rotation phase of the drum andthe capstan, 2026 a drum rotation control circuit for controllingrotation of the rotary drum, and 2027 a capstan rotation control circuitfor controlling rotation of the capstan. In addition, FIG. 17illustrates an internal configuration of the phase reference signalproducing circuit 2000. Numeral 2021 denotes a vertical synchronizationsignal producing circuit for extracting a vertical synchronizationsignal V_(sync) from a decoded synchronization signal C_(sync) toproduce a reference signal REFOUT, 2022 a square wave producing circuitfor producing a square wave REFIN having a predetermined period byutilizing a clock generated by a quartz-crystal oscillator or the like,2023 a change-over switch for selecting the signal REFOUT or the signalREFIN, 2024 a reset change-over switch for forcedly resetting an outputtiming of the square wave producing circuit 2022, and 2025 a frequencydivider for frequency-dividing the signal outputted from the change-overswitch 2023 into two. Further, control of the change-over switches 2023and 2024 and setting of a period to the square wave producing circuitare made by the VTR system control circuit 20.

[0164]FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining operation of the verticalsynchronization signal producing circuit 2021.

[0165] The vertical synchronization signal producing circuit 2021includes a counter for performing counting up when an input signal is“H” and performing counting down when the input signal is “L”, and anoutput circuit for producing a signal “H” when a count of the counterexceeds a prescribed value and a signal “L” when the count is smallerthan the prescribed value. In FIG. 18, numeral 30 a denotes the complexsynchronization signal C_(sync) produced by the analog image signalprocessing circuit 2V, and 31 a the synchronization signal SREF producedby the digital signal producing circuit 2D. Waveforms of the counter andwaveforms of the output signal at the time that the above two signalsare supplied to the vertical synchronization signal producing circuit2021 are represented by 31 a, 31 a, 30 c and 31 c.

[0166] The first portion of the signal 30 a, that is, the complexsynchronization signal H_(sync) corresponds to the verticalsynchronization signal V_(sync) and the latter half pulses correspond toa horizontal synchronization signal H_(sync). Each picture of the imagesignal is synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal V_(sync)and the vertical synchronization signal V_(sync) is used for thereference of the rotation phase of the drum and the capstan upon analogrecording. Since the period that the signal is “H” is longer than otherportions in the vicinity of the vertical synchronization signalV_(sync), the output waveform 30 c substantially conforms in phase tothe vertical synchronization signal V_(sync).

[0167] Further, the signal 31 a, that is, the portion where thesynchronization signal SREF is “H” indicates an output timing of digitaldata for each track produced by the digital signal processing circuit 2Dand the synchronization signal SREF is used for the reference of therotation phase of the drum and the capstan in the digital recording andreproduction operation. Since the time that the synchronization signalSREF is “H” is sufficiently long, the output waveform 31C substantiallyconforms in phase to the synchronization signal SREF.

[0168]FIG. 19 is a diagram explaining operation of the square waveproducing circuit 2022 shown in FIG. 17.

[0169] The square wave producing circuit 2022 includes a counter resetat a predetermined period and an output circuit for producing a signalof “H” when a count of the counter is zero and a signal of “L” when thecount is a predetermined set value. Further, the counter can be resetexternally. The reset period of the counter and the value in case wherethe output circuit produces the output “L” can be changed by the VTRsystem control circuit 20.

[0170] The square wave producing circuit 2022 continuously produces thesquare wave of a predetermined period set by the VTR system controlcircuit 20 when the square wave producing circuit 2022 is not resetexternally, while when a reset pulse is applied thereto externally, thecount is forcedly reset and accordingly a signal synchronized with theexternal reset pulse is produced.

[0171] Operation of such a configuration is now described by puttingemphasis on the signal produced by the phase reference signal producingcircuit 2000.

[0172] First, analog recording and reproducing operations are described.In these operations, the contact of the reset change-over switch 2024 isconnected to the N-side.

[0173] In the analog recording operation, since the rotation phase ofthe drum is required to conform to an image timing for each field of theimage signal to be recorded, the contact of the reference signalchange-over switch 5 is connected to the A-side and the contact of thechange-over switch 2023 is connected to the R-side, so that thetwo-divided signal of the vertical synchronization signal V_(sync) isproduced as the phase reference signal. Further, in the analogreproduction operation, since it is necessary that the rotation phase ofthe drum conform to the signal having the same period as the referencesignal used in the recording operation, the contact of the change-overswitch 2023 is connected to the P-side and the same period as thevertical synchronization signal V_(sync), that is, “{fraction(1/59.94)}” seconds is set to the square wave producing circuit 2022 toproduce the signal having the same frequency as the reference signal inthe recording operation as the phase reference signal.

[0174] In the analog recording and reproducing operations, since thecontact of the reference signal change-over switch 5 is connected to theA-side, the complex synchronization signal C_(sync) is also inputted tothe analog OSD circuit 15 and information can be superimposed on theanalog image signal.

[0175] Next, digital recording and reproducing operations are described.

[0176] In the digital recording and reproducing operations, since it isnecessary to cause the rotation phase of the drum conforms to thereference signal SREF produced by the digital signal processing circuit2D, the contact of the reference signal change-over switch 5 isconnected to the D-side and the contact of the change-over switch 2023is connected to the R-side to thereby produce the two-divided signal ofthe reference signal SREF as the phase reference signal. Further, thecontact of the change-over switch 2023 is connected to the R-side andthe phase of the signal REFIN produced by the square wave producingcircuit 2022 is caused to conform to the phase of the servo referencesignal SREF. In addition, the reset period of the square wave producingcircuit 2022 is set to the same period as the reference signal SREFproduced by the digital signal processing circuit 2D, that is,“{fraction (1/60)}” seconds.

[0177] When information is superimposed on the analog image signalduring the digital recording and reproducing operations, the VTR systemcontrol circuit 20 sends necessary information to the analog OSD circuit15 to control display and connects the contact of the reference signalchange-over switch 5 to the A-side, the contact of the change-overswitch 2023 to the P-side, and the contact of the reset change-overswitch 2024 to the N-side.

[0178] Since the contact of the reference change-over switch 5 isconnected to the A-side, the complex synchronization signal C_(sync) issupplied to the analog OSD circuit 15 and information can besuperimposed on the analog image signal. Further, since the contact ofthe change-over switch 2023 is connected to the P-side and the contactsof the reset change-over switch 2024 is connected to the N-side, thephase reference signal producing circuit 2000 produces a square wavehaving the same period as that set in the square wave producing circuit2022, that is, a signal having the same period as the reference signalSREF. Further, since the square wave producing circuit 2022 is reset bythe reference signal SREF when information is not superimposed, thesignal produced by the phase reference signal producing circuit 2000 isa signal conforming in phase to the reference signal SREF and therotation phase of the drum and the capstan is continuously controlled tothe same phase as that before the information is superimposed.

[0179] When the superimposition of the information is completed, the VTRsystem control circuit 20 returns the contacts of the reference signalchange-over switch 5, the change-over switch 2023 and the resetchange-over switch 2024 to the states set before superimposition of theinformation. Even at this time, since the phases of the signal REFINproduced by the square wave producing circuit 2022 during thesuperimposition of the information and the reference signal SREF arecoincident with each other, the rotation phase of the drum and thecapstan are continuously controlled to the same phase as that at thetime that the information is superimposed.

[0180]FIG. 20 shows a table in which the above states are summarized.The connection sides of the change-over switches 5, 2023 and 2025 andthe signals produced by the phase reference signal producing circuit2000 are shown for the states of the VTR shown on the left side.

[0181] As described above, even when the information is superimposed onthe analog image signal during the digital recording and reproductionoperations, the signal conforming in phase to the servo reference signalSREF is used as the phase reference signal and accordingly the rotationphases of the drum and the capstan are fixed before and after thesuperimposition of the information.

[0182] Further, it is considered that the servo circuit 1100 is causedto perform the same control as in the digital recording and reproductionoperations even during waiting, while operations of the reference signalchange-over switch 5 and the one-chip microcomputer 1 at the time thatthe information is superimposed on the analog image signal in this caseare quite the same as the operation in the digital recording andreproduction operations.

[0183] In addition, when the accuracy of the period of the outputwaveform produced by the square wave producing circuit 2022 is notsufficient, it is considered that the phase of the signal REFIN producedby the square wave producing circuit 2022 is gradually deviated from theservo reference signal SREF. It is not permissible that the phase of thephase reference signal REF is fluctuated during the digital recordingand reproduction operations and accordingly when the accuracy of thesquare wave producing circuit 2022 is not sufficient, the contact of thereference signal change-over switch 5 is fixed to the D-side not tosuperimpose information during the digital recording and reproductionoperations and the change-over switches are controlled as shown in FIG.20 only during waiting.

[0184] Further, it is judged whether the recorded signal is a digitalsignal or an analog signal during the reproduction operation so thatoperation of the VTR 100 is changed to the digital reproduction or theanalog reproduction, while when the servo circuit 1100 is set to thedigital reproduction mode during the judgment in order to quickendetection of a heading for digital reproduction, the contact of thereference signal change-over switch 5 is fixed to the D-side not tosuperimpose information at the beginning of the reproduction.

[0185]FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an eighthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

[0186] In the embodiment, the VTR 100 and the IRD 200 shown in FIG. 16or FIG. 21 are not separated and are integrally combined to form anintegral recording and reproducing apparatus. In this case, input andoutput terminals for signals transmitted between the VTR 100 and the IRD200 are unnecessary.

[0187]FIG. 22 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a ninthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

[0188] In the embodiment, reference signal input terminals to the servocircuit 1100 and the analog OSD circuit 15 are provided independently.With such a configuration, since the analog OSD circuit 15 is alwayssupplied with the complex synchronization signal C_(sync) from theanalog image signal processing circuit 2V, it is not necessary to changethe connection of the reference signal change-over switch 5, thechange-over switch 2023 and the reset change switch 2024 even wheninformation is superimposed on the image signal during the digitalrecording and reproduction operations.

[0189]FIG. 23 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a tenthembodiment of an image recording and reproducing apparatus according tothe present invention.

[0190] In the embodiment, output change-over switches 6 for changingover analog image and audio signals produced by the VTR 100 are added tothe embodiment of FIG. 22. The contacts of the input change-overswitches 13 are connected to the A-sides and the contacts of the outputchange-over switches 6 are connected to the D-sides to thereby be ableto view and hear the digital broadcast program supplied from the IRD 200while recording an analog broadcast program.

[0191] In such a configuration, when information is superimposed on ananalog image, it is necessary to superimpose information on the analogimage signal produced from the VTR 100 instead of the recorded analogimage and accordingly a complex synchronization signal extractioncircuit 7 for supplying the complex synchronization signal C_(sync) tothe analog OSD circuit 15 and the analog OSD circuit 15 forsuperimposing information is provided additionally after the outputchange-over switch 6V.

[0192] The embodiments of the present invention have been described.

[0193] Further, in FIGS. 16, 21, 22 and 23, description has been made tothe example where the system control circuit, the servo circuit and theanalog OSD circuit are included in one chip, while the configuration ofthese circuits are not limited thereto and these circuits may beconfigured independently. In addition, in the foregoing description, theperiod set to the square wave output circuit in the digital recordingand reproduction operations is set to a fixed period, while the periodmay be set to a period of the reference signal SREF actually measured bythe system control circuit, for example.

[0194] As described above, according to the present invention, the VTRand the IRD communicate with each other so that the VTR and the IRD canset and obtain the operation states and the set contents of the otherapparatus and the IRD notifies information of the VTR to the user byusing the picture of the same form as the picture in which the state ofthe IRD is notified to the user and causes the user to set the state ofthe VTR by using the picture of the same form as the picture in whichthe IRD causes the user to set the state of the IRD.

[0195] Further, similarly, the VTR notifies information of the IRD tothe user by using the picture of the same form as the picture in whichthe state of the VTR is notified to the user and causes the user to setthe state of the IRD by using the picture of the same form as thepicture in which the VTR causes the user to set the state of the VTR. Inthis manner, operations of the VTR and the IRD are integrated and theuser's operation is simplified.

[0196] Further, according to the present invention, since the referencesignal of the analog image signal is always supplied to the analog OSDcircuit during superimposition of information onto the analog imagesignal and the signal having the phase coincident with the referencesignal SREF of the digital signal is used as the phase reference signalduring the digital recording and reproduction operations, informationcan be superimposed on the analog image signal even during the digitalrecording and reproduction operations.

1. An image recording apparatus including receiving means for convertinga received signal into an image signal which can be recorded andoutputting the image signal and recording means for recording the imagesignal supplied from said receiving means, wherein said receiving meanscomprises an information output circuit for outputting states of saidreceiving means itself and said recording means as information, and saidreceiving means obtains the state of said recording means, saidreceiving means outputting information of said recording means in theform substantially identical with a form used to output the state ofsaid receiving means itself as the information by using said informationoutput circuit.
 2. An image recording apparatus including receivingmeans for converting a received signal into an image signal which can berecorded and outputting the image signal and recording means forrecording the image signal supplied from said receiving means, whereinsaid receiving means comprises an information output circuit foroutputting states of said receiving means itself and said recordingmeans as information, and an input circuit for setting the informationoutputted by said information output circuit, and said receiving meansobtains the state of said recording means, said receiving meansoutputting the state of said recording means in the form substantiallyidentical with a form used to output the state of said receiving meansitself by using said information output circuit and setting the state ofsaid recording means in the form substantially identical with a formused to set the state of said receiving means itself to output setcontents thereof to said recording means.
 3. An image reproducingapparatus including receiving means for converting a received signalinto an image signal in a specific form and outputting the image signal,and reproduction means for reproducing an image signal having the sameform as the image signal produced by said receiving means, wherein saidreceiving means comprises an information output circuit for outputtingstates of said receiving means itself and said reproduction means asinformation, and said receiving means obtains states of saidreproduction means and other receiving means, said receiving meansoutputting information of said reproduction means in the formsubstantially identical with a form used to output the state of saidreceiving means itself as information by using said information outputcircuit.
 4. An image reproducing apparatus including receiving means forconverting a received signal into an image signal in a specific form andoutputting the image signal, and reproduction means for reproducing animage signal having the same form as the image signal produced by saidreceiving means, wherein said receiving means comprises an informationoutput circuit for outputting states of said receiving means itself andsaid reproduction means as information, and an input circuit for settinginformation produced by said information output circuit, and saidreceiving means obtains states of said reproduction means and otherreceiving means, said receiving means outputting the state of saidreproduction means in the form substantially identical with a form usedto output the state of said receiving means itself by using saidinformation output circuit and setting the state of said reproductionmeans in the form substantially identical with a form used to set thestate of said receiving means itself to output set contents thereof tosaid reproduction means.
 5. An image recording apparatus includingreceiving means for converting a received signal into an image signalwhich can be recorded and outputting the image signal and recordingmeans for recording the image signal supplied from said receiving means,wherein said recording means comprises an information output circuit foroutputting states of said recording means itself and said receivingmeans as information, and said recording means obtains the state of saidreceiving means, said recording means outputting information of saidreceiving means in the form substantially identical with a form used tooutput the state of said recording means itself as the information byusing said information output circuit.
 6. An image recording apparatusincluding receiving means for converting a received signal into an imagesignal which can be recorded and outputting the image signal andrecording means for recording the image signal supplied from saidreceiving means, wherein said recording means comprises an informationoutput circuit for outputting states of said recording means itself andsaid receiving means as information, and an input circuit for settingthe information outputted by said information output circuit, and saidrecording means obtains the state of said receiving means, saidrecording means outputting the state of said receiving means in the formsubstantially identical with a form used to output the state of saidrecording means itself by using said information output circuit andsetting the state of said receiving means in the form substantiallyidentical with a form used to set the state of said recording meansitself to notify set contents thereof to said receiving means.
 7. Animage reproducing apparatus including receiving means for converting areceived signal into an image signal in a specific form and outputtingthe image signal, and reproduction means for reproducing an image signalhaving the same form as the image signal produced by said receivingmeans, wherein said reproduction means comprises an information outputcircuit for outputting states of said reproduction means itself and saidreceiving means as information, and said reproduction means obtains astate of said receiving means, said reproduction means outputtinginformation of said receiving means in the form substantially identicalwith a form used to output the state of said reproduction means itselfas information by using said information output circuit.
 8. An imagereproducing apparatus including receiving means for converting areceived signal into an image signal in a specific form and outputtingthe image signal, and reproduction means for reproducing an image signalhaving the same form as the image signal produced by said receivingmeans, wherein said reproduction means comprises an information outputcircuit for outputting states of said reproduction means itself and saidreceiving means as information, and an input circuit for settinginformation produced by said information output circuit, and saidreproduction means obtains the state of said receiving means, saidreproduction means outputting the state of said receiving means in theform substantially identical with a form used to output the state ofsaid reproduction means itself by using said information output circuitand setting the state of said receiving means in the form substantiallyidentical with a form used to set the state of said reproduction meansitself to output set contents thereof to said receiving means.
 9. Animage recording apparatus including a plurality of receiving means forconverting received signals into image signals which can be recorded andoutputting the image signals, and recording means for selecting one ofthe image signals supplied from said plurality of receiving means andrecording it, wherein at least one of said receiving means comprises aninformation output circuit for outputting states of said at least one ofreceiving means itself, said recording means and other receiving meansas information, and said at least one of receiving means obtains statesof said recording means and said other receiving means, said at leastone of receiving means outputting information of said recording meansand said other receiving means in the form substantially identical witha form used to output the state of said at least one of receiving meansitself as information by using said information output circuit.
 10. Animage recording apparatus including a plurality of receiving means forconverting received signals into image signals which can be recorded andoutputting the image signals, and recording means for selecting one ofthe image signals supplied from said plurality of receiving means andrecording it, wherein at least one of said receiving means comprises aninformation output circuit for outputting states of said at least one ofreceiving means itself, said recording means and other receiving meansas information, and an input circuit for setting information outputtedby said information output circuit, and said at least one of receivingmeans obtains states of said recording means and said other receivingmeans, said at least one of receiving means outputting the state of saidrecording means and said other receiving means in the form substantiallyidentical with a form used to output the state of said at least one ofreceiving means itself by using said information output circuit andsetting the states of said recording means and said other receivingmeans in the form substantially identical with a form used to set thestate of the at least one of receiving means itself to output setcontents thereof to said recording means and said other receiving means.11. An image reproducing apparatus including a plurality of receivingmeans for converting received signals into image signals in a specificform and outputting the image signals, and reproduction means forreproducing an image signal having the same form as the image signalproduced by said receiving means, wherein at least one of said receivingmeans comprises an information output circuit for outputting states ofsaid at least one of receiving means itself, said reproduction means andsaid other receiving means as information, and said at least one ofreceiving means obtains states of said reproduction means and said otherreceiving means, said at least one of receiving means outputtinginformation of said reproduction means and said other receiving means inthe form substantially identical with a form used to output the state ofsaid at least one of receiving means itself as information by using saidinformation output circuit.
 12. An image reproducing apparatus includinga plurality of receiving means for converting received signals intoimage signals in a specific form and outputting the image signals, andreproduction means for reproducing an image signal having the same formas the image signal produced by said receiving means, wherein at leastone of said receiving means comprises an information output circuit foroutputting states of said at least one of receiving means itself, saidreproduction means and said other receiving means as information, and aninput circuit for setting information produced by said informationoutput circuit, and said at least one of receiving means obtains statesof said reproduction means and said other receiving means, said at leastone of receiving means outputting states of said reproduction means andsaid other receiving means in the form substantially identical with aform used to output the state of said at least one of receiving meansitself by using said information output circuit and setting states ofsaid reproduction means and said other receiving means in the formsubstantially identical with a form used to set the state of said atleast one of receiving means itself to output set contents thereof tosaid reproduction means and said other receiving means.
 13. An imagerecording apparatus including a plurality of receiving means forconverting received signals into image signals which can be recorded andoutputting the image signals, and recording means for selecting one ofthe image signals supplied from said plurality of receiving means andrecording it, wherein said recording means comprises an informationoutput circuit for outputting states of said recording means itself andsaid receiving means as information, and said recording means obtainsstates of at least one or more of said receiving means, said recordingmeans outputting information of said at least one or more recordingmeans in the form substantially identical with a form used to output thestate of said recording means itself as information by using saidinformation output circuit.
 14. An image recording apparatus including aplurality of receiving means for converting received signals into imagesignals which can be recorded and outputting the image signals, andrecording means for selecting one of the image signals supplied fromsaid plurality of receiving means and recording it, wherein saidrecording means comprises an information output circuit for outputtingstates of said recording means itself and said receiving means asinformation, and an input circuit for setting information produced bysaid information output circuit, and said recording means obtains statesof at least one or more of said receiving means, said recording meansoutputting the states of said at least one or more recording means inthe form substantially identical with a form used to output the state ofsaid recording means itself by using said information output circuit andsetting the states of said at least one or more receiving means in theform substantially identical with a form used to set the state of saidrecording means itself to notify set contents thereof to said at leastone or more receiving means.
 15. An image reproducing apparatusincluding a plurality of receiving means for converting received signalsinto image signals in a specific form and outputting the image signals,and reproduction means for reproducing an image signal having the sameform as the image signals produced by said receiving means, wherein saidreproduction means comprises an information output circuit foroutputting states of said reproduction means itself and said receivingmeans as information, and said reproduction means obtains a state of atleast one of said receiving means, said reproduction means outputtinginformation of said at least one of receiving means in the formsubstantially identical with a form used to output the state of saidreproduction means itself as information by using said informationoutput circuit.
 16. An image reproducing apparatus including a pluralityof receiving means for converting received signals into image signals ina specific form and outputting the image signals, and reproduction meansfor reproducing an image signal having the same form as the imagesignals produced by said receiving means, wherein said reproductionmeans comprises an information output circuit for outputting states ofsaid reproduction means itself and said receiving means as information,and an input circuit for setting information produced by saidinformation output circuit, and said reproduction means obtains a stateof at least one of said receiving means, said reproduction meansoutputting information of said at least one of receiving means in theform substantially identical with a form used to output the state ofsaid reproduction means itself by using said information output circuitand setting the state of said at least one of receiving means in theform substantially identical with a form used to set the state of saidreproduction means itself to notify set contents thereof to said atleast one of receiving means.
 17. An image recording and reproducingapparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said receiving means foroutputting information by means of said information output circuitreceives a digital broadcast signal and outputs said image signal. 18.An image recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 3 ,wherein said receiving means for outputting information by means of saidinformation output circuit receives a digital broadcast signal andoutputs said image signal.
 19. An image recording and reproducingapparatus according to claim 5 , wherein at least one of said receivingmeans receives a digital broadcast signal and outputs said image signal.20. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein saidinformation output circuit is supplied with an image signal andsuperimposes or overwrites an image signal for displaying information onsaid supplied image signal to be outputted, so that the information isoutputted.
 21. An image recording apparatus according to claim 3 ,wherein said information output circuit is supplied with an image signaland superimposes or overwrites an image signal for displayinginformation on said supplied image signal to be outputted, so that theinformation is outputted.
 22. An image reproducing apparatus accordingto claim 5 , wherein said information output circuit is supplied with animage signal and superimposes or overwrites an image signal fordisplaying information on said supplied image signal to be outputted, sothat the information is outputted.
 23. An image reproducing apparatusaccording to claim 1 , wherein said receiving means for outputtinginformation by means of said information output circuit comprises adigital broadcast receiving circuit for demodulating a digital broadcastsignal and outputting a compressed digital image signal, an expandercircuit for expanding said compressed digital image signal to output adigital image signal, and a digital-to-analog conversion circuit forconverting said digital image signal into an analog image signal, andsaid information output circuit is supplied with said digital imagesignal and superimposes or overwrites a digital image signal fordisplaying information on said supplied digital image signal to beoutputted, so that the information is outputted.
 24. An imagereproducing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein said receivingmeans for outputting information by means of said information outputcircuit comprises a digital broadcast receiving circuit for demodulatinga digital broadcast signal and outputting a compressed digital imagesignal, an expander circuit for expanding said compressed digital imagesignal to output a digital image signal, and a digital-to-analogconversion circuit for converting said digital image signal into ananalog image signal, and said information output circuit is suppliedwith said digital image signal and superimposes or overwrites a digitalimage signal for displaying information on said supplied digital imagesignal to be outputted, so that the information is outputted.
 25. Animage recording apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein saidinformation output circuit included in said receiving means foroutputting information comprises a circuit supplied with an image signalfor superimposing or overwriting an image signal for displayinginformation on said supplied image signal to be outputted, so that theinformation is outputted, and said receiving means for outputting saidinformation outputs at least a first image signal on which informationis superimposed or overwritten by said information output circuit, saidrecording means including a first change-over circuit for selecting oneof a plurality of image signals to output a second image signal, and arecording circuit for recording a supplied image signal, said recordingmeans supplying at least said first image signal to said firstchange-over circuit, said recording means supplying said second imagesignal to said recording circuit, said recording means outputting saidsecond image signal, said first change-over circuit selecting saidsecond image signal to be outputted when said image output circuit isdisplaying the information.
 26. An image recording apparatus accordingto claim 22 , wherein when said recording circuit is in a recordingstate, said information output circuit does not display information. 27.An image recording apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein saidinformation output circuit included in said receiving means foroutputting information comprises a circuit supplied with an image signalfor superimposing or overwriting an image signal for displayinginformation on said supplied image signal to be outputted, so that theinformation is outputted, and said receiving means for outputting saidinformation outputs at least a first image signal on which informationis superimposed or overwritten by said information output circuit, saidrecording means including a first change-over circuit for selecting oneof a plurality of image signals to output a second image signal, asecond change-over circuit for selecting one of two image signals tooutput a third image signal, and a recording circuit for recording asupplied image signal, said recording means supplying at least saidfirst image signal to said first change-over circuit, said recordingmeans supplying said second image signal to said recording circuit, saidrecording means supplying said first and second image signals to saidsecond change-over circuit, said recording means outputting said thirdimage signal, said second change-over circuit selecting said first imagesignal to be outputted when said image output circuit is displaying theinformation.
 28. An image recording apparatus according to claim 27 ,wherein when said recording circuit is in a recording state and saidfirst change-over circuit selects said first image signal, saidinformation output circuit does not display information, and saidinformation output circuit included in said receiving means foroutputting information comprises a circuit supplied with an image signalfor superimposing or overwriting an image signal for displayinginformation on said supplied image signal to be outputted, so that theinformation is outputted, said receiving means for outputting saidinformation outputting at least a first image signal on whichinformation is superimposed or overwritten by said information outputcircuit and a second image signal on which information is superimposedor overwritten by said information output circuit, said recording meanssupplying at least said second image signal to said first change-overcircuit.
 29. An image recording apparatus according to claim 27 ,wherein said information output circuit included in said receiving meansfor outputting information comprises a circuit supplied with an imagesignal for superimposing or overwriting an image signal for displayinginformation on said supplied image signal to be outputted, so that theinformation is outputted, and said receiving means for outputting saidinformation outputs at least a first image signal on which informationis superimposed or overwritten by said information output circuit and asecond image signal on which information is superimposed or overwrittenby said information output circuit, said recording means supplying atleast said second image signal to said first change-over circuit.
 30. Animage recording apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said receivingmeans for outputting information comprises a digital broadcast receivingcircuit for demodulating a digital broadcast signal and outputting acompressed digital image signal, an expander circuit for expanding saidcompressed digital image signal to output a digital image signal, and adigital-to-analog conversion circuit for converting said digital imagesignal into a first analog image signal, and said information outputcircuit included in said receiving means for outputting said informationcomprises a circuit supplied with said digital image signal and forsuperimposing or overwriting a digital image signal for displayinginformation on said supplied digital image signal to be outputted, sothat the information is outputted, said information output circuitoutputting at least said digital image signal which is not superimposedor overwritten and said first analog image signal, said recording meanscomprising a first change-over circuit for selecting one of a pluralityof image signals to output a second analog image signal, and a recordingcircuit for selecting one of a supplied digital image signal and ananalog image signal to be recorded, said recording means supplying atleast said first analog image signal to said first change-over circuit,said recording means supplying the digital image signal produced fromsaid receiving means and said second analog image signal to saidrecording circuit, said recording means supplying said first and secondanalog image signal to said second change-over circuit, said recordingmeans outputting said second analog image signal, said first change-overcircuit selecting said first analog image signal to be outputted whensaid information output circuit is displaying information, saidinformation output circuit does not display information when saidrecording circuit is recording an analog image signal.
 31. An imagerecording apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said receiving meansfor outputting information comprises a digital broadcast receivingcircuit for demodulating a digital broadcast signal and outputting acompressed digital image signal, an expander circuit for expanding saidcompressed digital image signal to output a digital image signal, and adigital-to-analog conversion circuit for converting said digital imagesignal into a first analog image signal, and said information outputcircuit included in said receiving means for outputting said informationcomprises a circuit supplied with said digital image signal and forsuperimposing or overwriting a digital image signal for displayinginformation on said supplied digital image signal to be outputted, sothat the information is outputted, said information output circuitoutputting at least said digital image signal which is not superimposedor overwritten and said first analog image signal, said recording meanscomprising a first change-over circuit for selecting one of a pluralityof image signals to output a second analog image signal, and a recordingcircuit for selecting one of a supplied digital image signal and ananalog image signal to be recorded, said recording means supplying atleast said first analog image signal to said first change-over circuit,said recording means supplying the digital image signal produced fromsaid receiving means and said second analog image signal to saidrecording circuit, said recording means supplying said first and secondanalog image signal to said second change-over circuit, said recordingmeans outputting said second analog image signal, said secondchange-over circuit selecting said first analog image signal to beoutputted when said information output circuit is displayinginformation, said information output circuit does not displayinformation when said recording circuit is recording an analog imagesignal and said first change-over circuit selects said first imagesignal to be outputted.
 32. An image recording and reproducing apparatusincluding a rotary drum in which a magnetic head is mounted and a tapemoving mechanism for winding a magnetic tape on the rotary drum to bemoved and which selects a digital information signal and an analog imagesignal to record the signal on the magnetic tape and reproduce therecorded signals by the magnetic head, comprising control means forcontrolling a rotation phase of said rotary drum and a movement phase ofsaid magnetic tape, first reference signal producing means for producinga first reference signal synchronized with a digital information signalbeing recorded or reproduced, second reference signal producing meansfor producing a second reference signal synchronized with an inputtedanalog image signal, and information superimposition means forsuperimposing information on the inputted analog image signal to beoutputted, and said second reference signal producing means and saidinformation superimposition means are supplied with the analog imagesignal being recorded or reproduced, said control means selecting saidfirst reference signal and said second reference signal and using theselected signal as a reference signal for phase control, saidinformation superimposition means using said second reference signal asa reference signal for superimposition of information.
 33. An imagerecording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 32 , wherein thesame reference signal is supplied to said control means and saidinformation superimposition means and the reference signal supplied uponsuperimposition of information is changed over to said second referencesignal.
 34. An image recording and reproducing apparatus according toclaim 32 , wherein said control means produces a third reference signalsynchronized with said first reference signal and said third referencesignal is used as a reference signal for phase control uponsuperimposition of information.
 35. An image recording and reproducingapparatus according to claim 32 , wherein said informationsuperimposition means does not superimpose information when a digitalinformation signal is recorded or reproduced.
 36. An image recording andreproducing apparatus according to claim 32 , wherein said informationsuperimposition means does not superimpose information when reproductionis started while a recording medium in which a digital informationsignal can be recorded is inserted in said recording and reproducingapparatus.
 37. An image recording and reproducing apparatus according toclaim 32 , wherein when a digital information signal is recorded orreproduced, an analog image signal which is a converted signal of thedigital information signal being recorded or reproduced is supplied tosaid second reference signal producing means and said informationsuperimposition means.
 38. An image recording and reproducing apparatusaccording to claim 32 , comprising change-over means for inputting ananalog image signal being recorded or reproduced and analog image andaudio signals different from said analog image signal being recorded orreproduced and selecting a signal to be outputted, and third referencesignal producing means for producing a third reference signalsynchronized with the analog image signal outputted by said change-overmeans, said information superimposition means being supplied with theanalog image signal outputted by said change-over means and using thirdreference signal as a reference signal for superimposition ofinformation.
 39. An image recording and reproducing apparatus accordingto claim 32 , wherein said analog image signal different from saidanalog image signal being recorded or reproduced is a signal which is ananalog image signal into which a signal obtained by demodulating adigital broadcast signal is converted.